Budget-Friendly Microwave Dinner Recipes for Students

A microwave is probably the best friend of any student, convenient and fast when schedules are tight and budgets are low. Microwave meals do not have to be tasteless or unhealthy, though. A little creativity with some simple ingredients can make for delicious, nutritious dinners right in the dorm room or apartment while staying on a tight budget. In this guide, we'll explore a host of budget-friendly microwave dinner recipes perfect for the student who needs some time and dollar saving without sacrificing taste.

Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

When you crave that comforting bowl of pasta but are low on time and ingredients, look no further than this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe. Start off by cooking your favourite pasta according to package instructions. To finish the dish, cook your pasta according to package directions; while it is cooking melt some butter in a microwave safe bowl, add some garlic you have minced and set that in the microwave to heat for 30 seconds. Add flour to form a roux, add milk gradually and whisk, until smooth. Microwave, in one minute increments till sauce thickens, in between stirring. Finally, add grated parmesan cheese and cooked pasta and stir well so that the cheese melts and the pasta is smothered with creamy goodness.

Veggie-Packed Marinara Pasta

Be healthy with this veggie-packed marinara pasta. Start by microwaving a mixture of diced onions, bell peppers, and zucchini in a microwave-safe dish until softened. Stir canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your favorite Italian seasoning mix into the veggies; then microwave until hot through. Cook pasta according to package directions. When everything is done, just mix everything together for a easy and satisfying dinner that tastes rich in flavor and vitamins.

Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Feeling sneaky? Serve some extra veggies with this quick dinner. This cheesy spinach and tomato pasta will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Begin by microwaving diced tomatoes in a microwave-safe dish until soft. Then mix in baby spinach leaves and microwave until wilted. In another bowl, cream cheese, mozzarella grated, and Italian seasoning; microwave for 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Lastly, mix cooked pasta with the cheesy sauce and veggie mixture to create a yummy creamy nutritious meal in a minute.

Flavorful Rice and Grain Bowls

Teriyaki Vegetable Rice Bowl

Feeling a desire for take-out but looking to stay in budget? This is where you have it: this is your teriyaki vegetable rice bowl. Microwaved mixed frozen vegetables, which are put into a microwave-safe dish until they get warm. In another pot, cook instant rice by its package instructions. In another bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger to make the teriyaki sauce. You microwave it until it gets bubbly and a bit thick. Finally, mix cooked rice and vegetables with the teriyaki sauce for a quick dinner in no time.

Mexican Quinoa Bowl

Here is a Mexican quinoa bowl recipe that packs loads of protein and is bursting with flavor. Start by microwaving canned black beans and corn in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. Then, in a separate bowl, combine cooked quinoa with diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and your favorite Mexican seasoning blend and microwave until warm. Top this quinoa mixture with warm black beans and corn and a dollop of Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious healthy meal that is great for busy weeknights.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

You want a light and refreshing dinner to suit your taste buds? Here is the Mediterranean couscous salad. Begin to boil the instant couscous by adding broth to a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of vegetable until fluffy and tender. Mix all the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese in another bowl and warm it through in the microwave. Add the couscous and the veggie mixture along with olive oil and squeeze of lemon juice to this and serve yourself a very quick, savory meal fit for the longest warmest summer nights.

Hearty Soup and Stew Recipes

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup on a cold evening. Begin by heating canned diced tomatoes in a microwave-safe dish until hot. Add vegetable broth, minced garlic, and dried basil to the tomatoes, and microwave until it is at a simmer. Meanwhile, whisk together flour and milk in a separate bowl, and then gradually stir the mixture into the simmering soup until thickened. Finish with a swirl of heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a cozy and delicious dinner ready in minutes.

Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Serve this simple chicken and vegetable stew as a hearty, satisfying meal just right for the chill of colder weather. Begin by microwaving diced chicken breast in a microwave-safe dish until cooked through. Add mixed frozen vegetables, diced potatoes, and chicken broth to the chicken, then microwave until the veggies are tender. Finally, add a can of cream of chicken soup and a splash of milk, then microwave until heated through. Serve the stew piping hot with a slice of crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a comforting and filling dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Lentil and Spinach Soup

Looking for that budget-friendly, nutritious dinner option? Well, here is the recipe for lentil and spinach soup, which fits just the bill. Let's start with microwaving dried lentils in a microwave-safe dish. We add vegetable broth to enable the lentils to soak and get tender. Then, we add diced onions, carrots, and celery once the lentils have gotten tender. Microwave till softened. Finally, add chopped leaf spinach and lemon juice. Mix well and microwave till the wilted spinach is well coated with the flavors of the soup. This soup can be served hot in individual serving bowls and garnished with a pinch of fresh parsley for an easy yet satisfying meal every night.